Reincarnation of the Cloud Dragon - Chapter 24

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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Chapter 24.
“Why would I grant the same wish twice?”
“What do you mean…?”
Gal Mu Heun chuckled at Yun Cheon’s bewildered expression.
“Haha. That request was already made to me by trainee Yu Ha. I’ve already sent word to the Life-Death Venerable, the Demonic Physician. So speak a different wish.”
“…Yu Ha said that?”
In that instant, the image of Yu Ha’s cunning smile flashed through Yun Cheon’s mind like a serpent coiling through his thoughts.
That fox had seen through everything.
What he desired, and which path he would choose—all of it.
‘So this is the investment he spoke of.’
A method of placing what one needs into their hands a step ahead of time, then binding them with debt.
It was so very like Yu Ha.
‘That cunning fox….’
Faced with the unexpected fortune of preserving the Black Iron Medallion, Yun Cheon paused to consider.
What should I request from the Master of the Demonic Way Hall?
‘I haven’t even obtained the Black Iron Medallion yet, so there must be a reason why he used it before me at this particular moment.’
The answer came swiftly.
‘…He’s telling me to save it for now.’
If it were him, that’s surely what he would say.
Just as I was gathering my thoughts to respond, Gal Mu Heun spoke first.
“You must be conflicted. Take your time thinking it over.
Your duel with instructor Chuk Mu Gwang has inflated the Master’s pride considerably.”
Gal Mu Heun’s demeanor was relaxed, as though I need not use the medallion immediately.
“Heh… Even those who normally dismiss the instructor position as a sinecure have been asking me for permission to meet you.”
Not a precious sword, nor secret techniques, nor spiritual medicine—merely a simple Black Iron Medallion served as the reward.
Yet with that alone, I could project far greater prestige.
In the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, where strength is revered, exceptional talent held such significance.
How could one not smile when regarding Yun Cheon with such understanding?
“Do you know how many there are? The Inspection Bureau, the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, the Black Shadow Squad, the Blood Wolf Squad… Military divisions and special operations units alike all desire you. You can choose any of them. You need only decide.”
The place Yun Cheon truly wanted.
‘If a meeting with the Demonic Physician comes to pass….’
My next objective was clear.
A place where I could draw closer to the apex above the Heavenly Demon.
Yet a captive child could not suddenly speak such ambitions aloud.
Yun Cheon resolved to reveal only the modest aspirations and ambitions that Gal Mu Heun would find acceptable.
“…I have learned that this sect pursues strength as the highest value. Any place where I can become stronger would be welcome.”
“Heh. A fine attitude. You are still young. No—young is too generous a word. You are but a child.”
Gal Mu Heun’s tone was not one of mockery when he said I was young.
“Savor that privilege. Which is more appealing—reaching one’s peak at forty, or reaching it at twenty?”
Naturally, most would choose the latter.
If I reached my peak at twenty, I could have trained for another twenty years until forty.
Yet in truth, the achievements of a martial artist who breaks through a barrier cannot be predicted by anyone, and there were countless cases where those who broke through at a young age remained at their peak for a lifetime.
Still, people tended to regard reaching one’s peak at a young age more highly.
“The latter, then.”
“I’m the former. I reached my peak after forty. I was originally just a scholar reading books, so I started late to begin with.”
However, even being generous with Gal Mu Heun’s appearance, he still looked to be in his forties, so Yun Cheon tilted his head in puzzlement.
‘…His realm surpasses the peak. Yet he doesn’t seem to be a master who has achieved the reversal of age and return to youth.’
“But precisely because of that, I had time to delve into the profound secrets of the orthodox path without being swayed by the madness of demonic arts. So while I was late reaching my peak, I crossed the next barrier more easily than others. Before I turned fifty.”
Gal Mu Heun chuckled as he spoke.
“But who in the Demonic Cult would employ an old scholar? So placing me here in the Demonic Way Hall was perfect. It was likely meant for me to organize all manner of secret manuals plundered from the Central Plains.”
His voice carried both self-mockery and a cold awareness of reality.
‘Indeed… he has his own story. Now I understand his method of evaluation.’
The comprehensive evaluation system of the Demonic Way Hall was one that Gal Mu Heun, the Chief Instructor himself, had devised because he had begun his martial studies late.
Not immediate martial prowess.
But rather to verify how quickly one could grow.
“…So this hall master hopes you won’t follow the same path as I did. That talent of yours is… too precious to be broken so easily. Martial arts is not merely about crude physical exertion. Don’t rush—learn to read and study.”
Gal Mu Heun’s gaze fixed upon Yun Cheon.
His eyes were no longer those of a mere superior.
They held the gravity of a senior martial artist showing a junior the way, having glimpsed potential.
“Many organizations desire you. Yet I cannot claim with certainty that they are your best choice.”
He continued speaking as if weighing Yun Cheon’s value like stones upon a go board.
“The Inspection Bureau? They want you, but only after placing a blade at your throat. They fundamentally distrust people. They’re an organization that seizes weaknesses and wields them freely. That is the Inspection Bureau.”
Yun Cheon listened in silence.
“Would the Black Shadow Squad or Blood Wolf Squad be any different? They want a blade they can wield immediately.”
That too was reality.
Given my weakness of severed meridians, active service in regular military units would not be easy.
My opponent would not restrain their inner force as they would in a sparring match.
“…Then, what of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall?”
“Considering the Ten Thousand Demons Hall? It seems you’ve already sought counsel from the students.”
Gal Mu Heun appeared to know of Yalü Hee’s visit.
“That place is filled with half-mad old eccentrics. If any retain their sanity, most are demon lords brimming with greed even in their old age. You’d do well to choose your vessel carefully.”
Yun Cheon nodded.
‘The greed of old men… I’ve experienced that keenly in the Martial Alliance.’
If one survived to old age in the Demonic Cult, their martial prowess would be second to none.
Yet as the instructor said, finding a normal person would be even harder.
“Most demonic cultivators learned their life’s pinnacle techniques through oral transmission or practical experience, making systematic transmission of martial arts difficult. Even if you win their favor, learning one or two moves by catering to their moods would not be easy.”
Gal Mu Heun continued speaking in a low voice tinged with the fragrance of ink, his brush still in hand.
As if he could see straight through the calculations running in Yun Cheon’s mind.
This was Gal Mu Heun’s main point.
“An unripe fruit is coveted by all. Until you bloom, this hall master shall be a sturdy fence around you.”
“…!”
“So, rather than joining any particular organization, how would you feel about remaining under my direct command for the time being?”
An unexpectedly bold proposal.
Yun Cheon’s ears perked up with interest.
With my severed meridians still unhealed, becoming entangled in the excessive attention and factional struggles of multiple organizations would be poison.
Gal Mu Heun drove the wedge directly into Yun Cheon’s vulnerability.
“Moreover… seeing how urgently you seek the Demonic Physician suggests treatment is necessary. The complete absence of inner energy tells me there may be damage to your dantian or meridians.”
Such penetrating insight without even taking a pulse.
Truly the discerning eye of a supreme master known as One Brush Soul Thief.
“….”
“I won’t pry deeply—it would be disrespectful to a martial artist. However, this arrangement benefits us both. What say you?”
An opportunity to grow safely under the protection of the Demonic Way Hall’s master.
Yet Yun Cheon did not miss the cunning intention concealed beneath those words.
‘He means to keep me from being handed over to other organizations too soon, to cultivate me as his own faction.’
A scheme to monopolize the finest raw gem and expand his own influence.
But paradoxically, this reassured me.
‘Still… he speaks truth. Our interests align. Calculated profit is far more trustworthy than pure goodwill.’
Besides, with the Black Iron Tablet in my possession, I could leave Gal Mu Heun’s embrace whenever I wished.
Yu Ha’s reason for deliberately using the Black Iron Tablet first to open a path to the Demonic Physician became crystal clear.
‘That cunning fox… did he preserve my Black Iron Tablet for this very moment? How far ahead does he see?’
Most importantly, being directly under the Demonic Way Hall’s master would give me legitimate reason to move freely around the Demonic Way Hall.
Then I might seize the opportunity to investigate Kunlun’s ancient ruins, particularly the Secret Cave.
Having finished my calculations, I bowed respectfully.
“How could I refuse the Hall Master’s proposal? I shall follow your command.”
Satisfied wrinkles formed at the corners of Gal Mu Heun’s eyes.
“Excellent. A wise decision. From now on, you’re under my direct authority. Since you received the highest evaluation, you must know characters… do you enjoy books as well?”
An abrupt question, yet somehow laden with meaning.
“…I am fond of martial arts texts, if I may say so.”
“Heh heh… perfect then. The task I’ll entrust to you is to systematically classify the vast collection of books in the Inner Library and reassess their value.”
My brow furrowed slightly.
Was the greatest Demonic Cult truly unable to find someone to organize martial arts texts, assigning such work to a formal warrior?
“It’s no simple cataloging. The countless secret manuals plundered from righteous sects across the Central Plains… most are encrypted, utterly unreadable.”
“Encrypted, you say?”
“Indeed. When those so-called righteous sects recorded their martial arts, they wove in their own philosophical doctrines.”
Gal Mu Heun picked up a brush and wrote the character for “Way” on paper as he spoke.
“Without understanding the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, not to mention the ideological foundations of the Hundred Schools of Thought, secret manuals are merely black scrawls on white paper. A single phrase like ’empty your mind’ carries vastly different meanings between Daoist and Buddhist interpretation—how would ignorant cultists ever comprehend such nuance?”
“Ah….”
Only then did I understand why supreme martial arts like the Heavenly and Earthly Circulation and the Limitless Protection lay gathering dust in the corners of the basic martial arts archive.
Merely knowing characters was insufficient to decipher the profound ‘principles’ contained within.
“I myself come from scholarly origins, so I understand the subtlety somewhat, but with books flowing in from all across the Central Plains, I cannot manage alone. With your brilliance… I believe you can discern the jade from the stone hidden within them.”
“….”
“Of course, it’s merely a nominal duty. Your training and recovery take priority. I’ll also provide you with a private Stone Chamber within the Library Archive—feel free to peruse any texts you find there.”
Gal Mu Heun had essentially handed over the Inner Library of the Demonic Sect, that entire repository of knowledge, to Yun Cheon. There was no greater favor one could bestow upon a martial artist.
“…I am grateful for your consideration.”
“Think nothing of it. Simply apply yourself diligently to both recovery and cultivation, and live up to my expectations. Ah, and one more thing….”
Gal Mu Heun called out to Yun Cheon as he turned to leave. A peculiar gleam of interest flickered in his gaze.
“Don’t grow too comfortable, though. The Inner Library houses other individuals I’ve selected besides yourself.”
“…Other martial artists, you mean?”
“Precisely. Eccentrics whose obsession with delving into texts rivals your own. I call them the ‘Book Ghosts.'”
Book Ghosts.
Spirits of literature incarnate.
“Competition with them will be quite different from Qian Mo Cave. There’s considerable enjoyment to be had in debating classical texts and martial principles.”
Yun Cheon nodded quietly.
What I had taken for a peaceful sanctuary revealed itself to be a battlefield where invisible blades crossed.
“I shall bear that in mind.”
“Excellent. Now that you’ve officially become a martial artist of our sect, go see the Supply Officer to receive your uniform and weapons.”
Yun Cheon withdrew, and silence settled once more over the office.
Gal Mu Heun lifted his brush and dipped it generously in ink.
Across the white paper, a black stroke flowed in one fluid motion.
‘A tool is indeed just a tool.’
Since taking office, I had observed countless rough gems, but Yun Cheon possessed a different caliber.
A fundamental depth that transcended mere martial talent.
“…No matter how I examine him, he bears no resemblance to a boy his age. If it’s him, he might just decipher new passages.”
Gal Mu Heun’s mind drifted toward the deepest recesses of the Inner Library, where ancient texts lay abandoned, their meanings never unraveled.
Profound martial philosophies left in shadow within the Demonic Cult’s culture, which spurned scripture and learning in favor of brute strength alone.
“With Yun Cheon, he could prove to be a stimulating influence even for the existing Book Ghosts.”
Gal Mu Heun’s eyes gleamed with the depth and acuity of a master strategist contemplating moves upon an immense board.
“Whether they become fortuitous companions or bitter rivals… there’s amusement to be found in watching how it unfolds.”
* * *
After concluding the audience, Yun Cheon departed Gal Mu Heun’s office and made his way directly to the Supply Officer.
“…Trainee Yun Cheon. Or rather, now a proper martial artist of our sect—Yun Cheon. The Director mentioned you. Do you have a preferred weapon?”
“A saber and sword of standard form would suffice.”
“Hmm… both a sword and saber? Very well.”
The Supply Officer promptly retrieved a well-balanced saber and longsword from the armory.
“This uniform should do. It should fit well enough.”
Yun Cheon accepted the issued items and dressed himself.
The black martial robe bore no ornamental flourishes, yet compared to my shabby appearance upon first arrival, it was nothing short of a complete transformation.
“I judged by eye, but it fits perfectly. You cut quite the martial figure.”
Yun Cheon swept his gaze over the form-fitting martial garb of the Demonic Cult.
‘…Never did I imagine I would wear the robes of the Demonic Cult instead of Kunlun’s uniform, which I had worn my entire life.’
Click.
It was Yun Cheon, now equipped with a sword sheath and scabbard at his waist.
“Draw your weapon and examine it yourself.”
Yun Cheon quietly unsheathed the blade.
Shing.
“A sharp weapon demands careful handling. At first, it feels awkward….”
His movements were fluid, as though he had wielded weapons for years.
“One careless moment and you could cut yourself! Wait… that’s remarkably natural…?”
The Supply Officer, who had been preparing to offer advice, was startled by how naturally I drew the blade.
Though I had merely unsheathed the sword, the aura it carried was that of a seasoned warrior.
“…Now I understand why the Chief Instructor ordered me to support you directly. I cannot believe you are a trainee who has just passed through Qian Mo Cave. There is nothing more I can add….”
The Supply Officer scratched his head, looking sheepish.
“Should you need anything in the future, come to me anytime. I can provide any basic supplies without hesitation.”
“Is it possible to craft items? The iron rings I wore before are no longer usable….”
“Ah, those crude iron rings you used in sparring? I understand. What weight would be appropriate?”
“For now, approximately three *guan* per limb should suffice.”
It was slightly heavier than the iron rings I had worn before.
Since I now carried steel weapons instead of wooden ones, this weight seemed fitting.
“Worn on all four limbs, that alone comes to twelve *guan*… enough to match the weight of a small child. Are you truly certain?”
“Perfect.”
“Very well. I shall prepare them shortly. These will be different from what you were using before. I will craft them properly.”
“Thank you.”
After receiving the weapon and new iron rings from the Supply Officer, Yun Cheon did not head directly to the Inner Library.
Instead, I made my way to the Stone Chamber of Qian Mo Cave, where I had dwelt for nearly a year.
There were still belongings left unpacked.
Along the path to Qian Mo Cave.
‘…What is this presence?’
My senses detected an unsettling gaze.
‘Is it the shadow that has been following me these past few days?’
The shadow now clung closer and more brazenly than before.
Yun Cheon deliberately turned down a corridor where few people ventured.
The moment I rounded the corner, I hurled myself forward, suppressed my aura, and concealed myself.
Moments later, a dark figure cautiously rounded the corner and appeared.
Though masked, the figure’s nimble movements and concealed aura were far from ordinary.
‘Who is this? The Inspection Bureau? The Black Shadow Squad? Or the Ten Thousand Demons Hall?’
As Yun Cheon held my breath and studied the figure.
The shadow’s gaze fixed precisely on where I was hidden.
“…To notice my pursuit. Impressive.”

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This chapter is translated by Falnar Novels Team.
Support us by reading on our official site: https://falnarnovels.com
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